New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Top 5 Movies of 2012

post #1 of 40
12/25/12 at 11:31pm
Thread Starter 
My top five movies of 2012 are as follows and in no order of importance:

Dead Man's Shoes. This movie grabbed me at the opening credits. It brought back tons of childhood memories regarding my own brother and has haunted me long after with the soundtrack.

Lobos de Arga. What a fun well done movie. In a sea of CGI blur this harkens back to old school effects. The cheap way out is to describe it as Shaun of the Dead with werewolves and that isn't far off but it easily stands by itself.

The Dark Knight Rises. Possibly the most polarizing movie in recent memory next to Prometheus but I like it and it's ok if you don't. The final entry in Nolan's Batman trilogy brings many things full circle. In my mind these three films are one of the best trilogies ever.

I Saw the Devil. I really liked this movie. I'm a sucker for revenge movies and this hits all the right notes.

Take Shelter. Slow burn and the questions it asks are important and mind blowing like the ones it leaves you with. If I had to pair it with another movie I'd go with Frailty for the tone.



Please feel free to list your top five. I'd like to see just lists instead of detailed tirades on how I could possibly like TDKR smile.gif . I'm also well aware that most of these movies are not from 2012 and that, to me, is a testament to the discovery process of the hobby we share.
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 40
12/27/12 at 8:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

My top five movies of 2012 are as follows and in no order of importance:
Dead Man's Shoes. This movie grabbed me at the opening credits. It brought back tons of childhood memories regarding my own brother and has haunted me long after with the soundtrack.
Lobos de Arga. What a fun well done movie. In a sea of CGI blur this harkens back to old school effects. The cheap way out is to describe it as Shaun of the Dead with werewolves and that isn't far off but it easily stands by itself.
The Dark Knight Rises. Possibly the most polarizing movie in recent memory next to Prometheus but I like it and it's ok if you don't. The final entry in Nolan's Batman trilogy brings many things full circle. In my mind these three films are one of the best trilogies ever.
I Saw the Devil. I really liked this movie. I'm a sucker for revenge movies and this hits all the right notes.
Take Shelter. Slow burn and the questions it asks are important and mind blowing like the ones it leaves you with. If I had to pair it with another movie I'd go with Frailty for the tone.
Please feel free to list your top five. I'd like to see just lists instead of detailed tirades on how I could possibly like TDKR smile.gif . I'm also well aware that most of these movies are not from 2012 and that, to me, is a testament to the discovery process of the hobby we share.

Apparently, The Dark Knight Rises was the only film on your list that wasn't released before 2012. In any event, I haven't seen any of those four films. I agree, though, that The Dark Knight Rises was marvelous and it is near the top of my 2102 list, too. Here are some more 2012 films I loved:

Argo. Ben Affleck strikes again! This is a film that is funny and suspenseful, although it is based on a true story. Affleck as a director seems to be getting better and better.

Django Unchained. Quentin Tarantino has hit another home run. This time, he tells a story about antebellum slavery set in the framework of a spaghetti western, Great fun and highly recommended.

Les Misérables. This great film was directed by Tom Hooper, who made last year's wonderful The King's Speech. I am a long time Les Mis fan so I may be biased but I loved every one of its 157 minutes. The singing was often imprecise and kind of raw but, Jesus, it was gut wrenching. I saw Les Mis today and am still trying to get my emotions back under control.

Lincoln. This is Spielberg's latest and to my mind another great historical drama. Daniel Day Lewis's performance as Lincoln was epic and Sally Field was Mary Lincoln to the life. A cast of first class character actors too numerous to mention also turned in great performances. Once again, be warned, I am a like long Civil War buff, so the intramural strains in Lincoln's cabinet fascinate me. Lincoln is a brilliantly told story of a pivotal time in American history.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 40
12/27/12 at 8:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gwsat View Post

Apparently, The Dark Knight Rises was the only film on your list that wasn't released before 2012. In any event, I haven't seen any of those four films. I agree, though, that The Dark Knight Rises was marvelous and it is near the top of my 2102 list, too. Here are some more 2012 films I loved:
Argo. Ben Affleck strikes again! This is a film that is funny and suspenseful, although it is based on a true story. Affleck as a director seems to be getting better and better.
Django Unchained. Quentin Tarantino has hit another home run. This time, he tells a story about antebellum slavery set in the framework of a spaghetti western, Great fun and highly recommended.
Les Misérables. This great film was directed by Tom Hooper, who made last year's wonderful The King's Speech. I am a long time Les Mis fan so I may be biased but I loved every one of its 157 minutes. The singing was often imprecise and kind of raw but, Jesus, it was gut wrenching. I saw Les Mis today and am still trying to get my emotions back under control.
Lincoln. This is Spielberg's latest and to my mind another great historical drama. Daniel Day Lewis's performance as Lincoln was epic and Sally Field was Mary Lincoln to the life. A cast of first class character actors too numerous to mention also turned in great performances. Once again, be warned, I am a like long Civil War buff, so the intramural strains in Lincoln's cabinet fascinate me. Lincoln is a brilliantly told story of a pivotal time in American history.

I should catch Django this weekend and Lincoln is on my list as well. 2013 will the year for 2012 movies.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 40
12/27/12 at 11:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

2013 will the year for 2012 movies.
I rarely "go to the movies," so I always do the same.
Sometimes I can't wait for the BD and HAVE to go (will try to catch Django tomorrow tongue.gif).
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 40
12/28/12 at 11:34am
I agree that I need to play some catchup before I can provide my two cents, but 2012-2013 seems to me to be two blockbuster years, making it really hard to come up with a specific list. 2010/11 seemed quite dull in comparison.

I do know Prometheus and Lincoln are taking two of the tops spots though.

TDKR, Avengers, and Hobbit, while very entertaining and enjoyable, just had something about them that slid them down the list.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 40
12/28/12 at 11:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

My top five movies of 2012 are as follows and in no order of importance:
Dead Man's Shoes. This movie grabbed me at the opening credits. It brought back tons of childhood memories regarding my own brother and has haunted me long after with the soundtrack.
Lobos de Arga. What a fun well done movie. In a sea of CGI blur this harkens back to old school effects. The cheap way out is to describe it as Shaun of the Dead with werewolves and that isn't far off but it easily stands by itself.
The Dark Knight Rises. Possibly the most polarizing movie in recent memory next to Prometheus but I like it and it's ok if you don't. The final entry in Nolan's Batman trilogy brings many things full circle. In my mind these three films are one of the best trilogies ever.
I Saw the Devil. I really liked this movie. I'm a sucker for revenge movies and this hits all the right notes.
Take Shelter. Slow burn and the questions it asks are important and mind blowing like the ones it leaves you with. If I had to pair it with another movie I'd go with Frailty for the tone.
Please feel free to list your top five. I'd like to see just lists instead of detailed tirades on how I could possibly like TDKR smile.gif . I'm also well aware that most of these movies are not from 2012 and that, to me, is a testament to the discovery process of the hobby we share.
I Saw The Devil and The Man From Nowhere are probably two of the best foreign language films I have ever seen and incidentally both are Korean.

TDKR and Avengers were both A listers for me, Prometheus was the biggest let-down. Skyfall was pretty great too but I have yet to see Lincoln or Les Mis. I also want to check out The Impossible but have been short on time for the theater. Lobos de Arga (Attack of the Werewolves) was a blast, best thing to happen to werewolf movies since AWIL. I'd also throw in Inbred which was just a brilliant breath of fresh air to the horror genre that Hollywood has saturated with crappy remakes, reboots, etc.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 40
12/28/12 at 12:39pm
Take Shelter was a very good movie!

I think Drive was my favorite movie I saw this year but I think it was released late 2011.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 40
12/28/12 at 12:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by drewTT View Post

Take Shelter was a very good movie!
I think Drive was my favorite movie I saw this year but I think it was released late 2011.

It's OK that you watched a 2011 movie in 2012 and liked it.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 40
12/28/12 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oink View Post

I rarely "go to the movies," so I always do the same.
Sometimes I can't wait for the BD and HAVE to go (will try to catch Django tomorrow tongue.gif).

You will love Django Unchained. Tarantino is at the top of his game. Christoph Waltz is turning into the new Cary Grant in a bizarre way. The guy is so charismatic and appealing, it's impossible to take your eyes off him.

Let me get my licks in for Les Mis, too. Unless you are flatfootedly, no how no way, opposed to musicals, see it. It is emotionally wearing but, my God, it is beautiful and moving! As I said in an earlier posts, its 157 minutes runtime passed in the twinkling of an eye. Anne Hathaway's I Had a Dream was raw and emotional but as wonderful as anything I have seen on the screen. I will be ordering the BD for delivery on Day One. (For that matter, I will be doing the same for Django.smile.gif)
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 40
12/29/12 at 8:41pm
Thread Starter 
Braved the crowds and it paid off big. Django was epic. Epic in the literal sense not the hipster co-opted sense. Cristoph and Foxx were perfect together and I think Cristoph is my favorite actor ever. I'll edit my list to include Django in all 5 spots.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 40
12/29/12 at 10:27pm
Agree...his milk drinking opening act in IB with Susanna's father who looked like a French Antonio Banderas was just mesmerizing brilliant and horrific performance I've even seen and totally set the bar and tone for the movie. Never seen him before until IB but knew right away this guy got big time game and been a big fan ever since.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 40
12/29/12 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoey67 View Post

Agree...his milk drinking opening act in IB with Susanna's father who looked like a French Antonio Banderas was just mesmerizing brilliant and horrific performance I've even seen and totally set the bar and tone for the movie. Never seen him before until IB but knew right away this guy got big time game and been a big fan ever since.
Love that scene.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 40
12/30/12 at 12:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoey67 View Post

his milk drinking opening act in IB with Susanna's father who looked like a French Antonio Banderas was just mesmerizing brilliant and horrific performance I've even seen and totally set the bar and tone for the movie.
+10000000
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 40
12/30/12 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoey67 View Post

Agree...his milk drinking opening act in IB with Susanna's father who looked like a French Antonio Banderas was just mesmerizing brilliant and horrific performance I've even seen and totally set the bar and tone for the movie. Never seen him before until IB but knew right away this guy got big time game and been a big fan ever since.

I agree Zoey that was an amazing scene. I loved his welcoming charm I didnt expect him to murder those people. He played it well.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 40
12/30/12 at 12:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drewTT View Post

Take Shelter was a very good movie!

I have been trying to get my hands to it rent but nobody seems to have it here on blu ray let alone for sale.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 40
12/30/12 at 7:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin View Post

I have been trying to get my hands to it rent but nobody seems to have it here on blu ray let alone for sale.

It's on Vudu, that's where I saw it.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 40
12/30/12 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

It's on Vudu, that's where I saw it.

What is Vudu ?
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 40
12/30/12 at 8:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin View Post

What is Vudu ?

http://www.vudu.com
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 40
12/30/12 at 9:04am
Thread Starter 
If you are new account you can probably see it free.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 40
12/30/12 at 10:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin View Post

What is Vudu ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Morpheo View Post

http://www.vudu.com

I simply refuse to pay Vudu or anybody else an a la carte price to watch a streamed video. These days the only movies I rent a la carte are occasional BDs from one of a gazillion nearby Redbox kiosks. Despite my stubbornness in this regard, I understand why many folks like Vudu a lot.
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 40
12/30/12 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Morpheo View Post

http://www.vudu.com

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 40
12/30/12 at 6:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

If you are new account you can probably see it free.

I'm still waiting for my Internet line to be upgraded ( who knows when ), so streaming HD is not the best option for me.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 40
12/30/12 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gwsat View Post

I simply refuse to pay Vudu or anybody else an a la carte price to watch a streamed video. These days the only movies I rent a la carte are occasional BDs from one of a gazillion nearby Redbox kiosks. Despite my stubbornness in this regard, I understand why many folks like Vudu a lot.

I prefer physical media still. I can't stand streaming stopping every now and then throughout the film. I'm going shopping today I'm going to look for it.
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 40
12/30/12 at 6:47pm
Thread Starter 
I like the disc too but with so much garbage out there I can pay a little to stream and them buy later. Redbox runs me about 6 bucks if I factor in gas only more if traffic is bad. Vudu is great for me.
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 40
12/30/12 at 7:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

I like the disc too but with so much garbage out there I can pay a little to stream and them buy later. Redbox runs me about 6 bucks if I factor in gas only more if traffic is bad. Vudu is great for me.

You make a good point that traffic and driving costs could be a problem but I have 3 Redbox kiosks, all in the same strip mall, located only a few blocks from me. Thus the time and expense of each trip to make a rental, and the trip to return the BD, don't amount to much time or money. Even so, I rarely rent a disc these days.
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 40
12/31/12 at 6:32am
I'm really behind in my movie watching this year. Finally watched The Avengers aka Destroy All Monsters last weekend. eek.gif


Favorites so far were:

Moonrise Kingdom
Safety Not Guaranteed
God Bless America
Cabin in the Woods
John Dies at the End

Laying off the booze tonight and headed to Django tomorrow morning!
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 40
12/31/12 at 6:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin View Post

I prefer physical media still. I can't stand streaming stopping every now and then throughout the film. I'm going shopping today I'm going to look for it.

Could not find take shelter on blu ray here today. Might have to buy from Amazon
Edited by Franin - 12/31/12 at 6:54am
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 40
12/31/12 at 8:01am
Let's see. Movie watching on the big screen was a little shaky this year but here's what stuck out for me:

"Lincoln" - Sorry, no vampires here. If Daniel Day-Lewis doesn't win the best actor award at the Oscars this year, I'll be shocked.

"Argo" - I agree with GWSAT. Affleck is getting better as a director.

"Les Miserables" - It went big and in my opinion, succeeded.

"Moonrise Kingdom" - What can I say...I'm a marshmellow for this kind of movie.

"Avengers" and "The Dark Knight Rises" (tie) - Were there better? Heck yeah but I'm a comic book geek from childhood and as far as the genre goes, it's as good as it's gotten... so far. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 40
12/31/12 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
Just caught Looper. Pretty damn good. Also I remember Django Unchained having some lens flare in it so it's garbage now and should not be included on any list except top worst films ever in life.
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 40
12/31/12 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthrsg View Post

Just caught Looper. Pretty damn good.during the summer or early fall.
My copy will arrive Wednesday.

As far as best of the year goes the only that is a shoo-in for me is The Avengers.
Most of the others I haven't got to yet.....
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks